US charges four Chinese nationals for visa fraud

Four Chinese nationals have been charged with visa fraud by the US for allegedly lying about their membership in the armed forces of China.

Three nationals have been arrested whereas the FBI is working to arrest the fourth one, who is said to be staying in China’s San Francisco consulate.

People in 25 US cities have been interviewed by the FBI. These people have an “undeclared affiliation” with China’s forces.

Prosecutors claim that it is part of a Chinese plan to send army scientists to the US.

Also Read

US accuses China of sheltering Fugitive Scientist at Consulate in San Francisco

The United States has accused a Chinese scientist of seeking refuge at...

US Justice Department attorney John C Demers told in a press release that members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) applied for research visas. But the members hid their “true affiliation” with the armed forces.

“This is another part of the Chinese Communist Party’s plan to take advantage of our open society and exploit academic institutions.”

According to details, four Chinese people charged with visa fraud are Wang Xin, Song Chen, Zhao Kaikai, and Tang Juan. Tang Juan is said to be in the San Francisco consulate.

These nationals reportedly have lied about their service in the PLA. They said that they either had never served the forces or no longer served.

Wang Xin was arrested on June 7th after he was interrogated by Customs and Border Protection agents at Los Angeles International Airport. He confessed that he was a PLA member, and works at a military university lab. But, it was stated in his visa that he left the forces in 2016.

Song Chen and Zhao Kaikai were both arrested on 18 July.

Prosecutors said that Ms. Song claimed to work as a neurologist who had left the military. But she remained affiliated with PLA Air Force (PLAAF) hospitals in China. Zhao claimed to have never worked in the military. Ms.

Tang is thought to be the PLAAF member.

The move comes two days after China’s consulate in Houston came under scrutiny.